Vertex Spring Co-Op 2027, Long Read Sequencing

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free gym access

Commuter benefits

Free meals

Career development events

Social events

Location-specific perks

National Intern Day recognition

Job summary

Vertex invites highly motivated students to join the Long Read Sequencing Co‑op in Boston for six months of hands‑on experience in CGT and AD functional areas. You will work on RNA sequencing, monoclonal antibody cell lines, and direct RNA workflows, gaining practical skills and contributing to meaningful projects.

The program offers full-time hours, competitive hourly pay, on-site facilities, and a rich learning environment with mentorship and networking.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in relevant bioscience field and legal work authorization in the United States.
• Enrollment in an advanced degree program if graduating before June 2027.
• Available to work full-time, 40 hours per week, Jan–June 2027.

Responsibilities

• RNA sequencing for modification analysis and isoform analysis in stem cells and islets.
• Plasmid integration analysis for monoclonal antibody–producing cell lines.
• Direct RNA or cDNA sequencing to verify heavy/light chain sequences.
• Evaluate mRNA integrity and polyA tail characterization.
• Establish workflows and assays for long-read sequencing applications.
• Analyze datasets with statistical methods and present findings.

Skills

Nucleic acid extraction

cDNA preparation

Sequencing library preparation

Experimental design

Oxford Nanopore systems

R / Python

Linux / HPC

Education

Master's / PhD majors: Systems Biology, Computational Biology, Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biological Engineering, etc.

Tools

Oxford Nanopore

R / Python

Job description

Job Description Kickstart Your Career at Vertex! Are you ready to make a real impact? At Vertex, our mission is to tackle serious diseases and to change lives, for the better, for the future. Our aim is to give you the skills, insights, and career guidance to be an important part of that future; to turn your potential into progression. As a Vertex intern or co‑op,you’llwork on meaningful projects, collaborate with talented teams, and learn from industry leaders.We’repassionate about innovation, inclusion, and supporting your growth—inside and outside the lab.

Why Vertex?

Real Projects:You’llwork on assignments that make a real impact, not just busy work. Mentorship & Networking:Connect with leaders and peers who want to see you succeed through professional networks, connections, and collaborations that will shape your longer‑term career.Flexible & Supportive:We offer flexible work options with Flex @ Vertex and prioritize your wellbeing.Inclusive Culture:Collaboration and inclusion are embedded in everything we do.Career Launchpad:Build skills, explore career paths, and get guidance for your future career.

Your Impact

The Vertex Long Read Sequencing Co‑Op is a 6‑month experiential training program for students currently working towards an advanced degree in Biological Sciences, or other related fields. If you are passionate, collaborative, and growth‑minded, a co‑op at Vertex will help you gain meaningful experience in our BSMO CGT AD functional areas and serve as a launchpad for your career.

The application deadline for this co‑op is November15th. Please note that Vertex reviews applications on a rolling basis and reserves the right to close this job posting prior to the listed deadline. Applicants can expect to receive an update about their application before or shortly after the application deadline.

What you will be doing:

RNA Sequencing for modification (m6a, m5c, pseudouridine, etc.) and isoform analysis to characterize stem cells and stem cell derived pancreatic islets.

Conduct plasmid integration analysis for development and assessment of monoclonal antibody‑producing cell lines, using targeted or whole genome sequencing.

Direct RNA or cDNA sequencing to verify monoclonal antibody heavy‑and light‑chain sequences and support variant calling.

Evaluate mRNA integrity and polyA tail characterization using direct RNA sequencing.

Required Skills:

• Nucleic acid extraction, cDNA preparation and sequencing library preparation
• Ability to design and analyze experiments for developing analytical assay
• Experience with Oxford Nanopore systems
• Proficiency with R or Python, Linux system and high process computing system
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools such as minimap2 and samtools
• Data analysis tools such as DESEQ2 and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis

Key Deliverables at Project Completion:

Establish workflows/assay to support applications of long read sequencing.

Execution of the experiments and analyzing the dataset with statistical approach.

Key Learnings Expected:

Knowledge pertaining to developing an assay and bringing it through feasibility assessment such as accuracy and precision.

Deeper understanding into principles of stem cell and pancreatic islets biology.

Presentation of large dataset and experimental findings.

Qualifications:

• Master's / PhD Majors: Systems Biology, Computational Biology, Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biological Engineering, etc.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States, now and in the future.
• Please note that Vertex does not provide sponsorship for internships/co‑ops or entry level roles within this part of the organization.
• You must be enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before June2027.
• You must be available to work full‑time, 40 hours per week from January–June2027.

Program Details:

Full‑time, paid co‑op $35.00 – 50.00 USD/hour

Program Dates: January–July2027

Application Deadline: November15th,2026

Our Ways of Working

Flex Designation:On‑Site - Boston Flex Eligibility Status:On‑Site: work five days per week on‑site with ad hoc flexibility. Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Benefits

• Free 24/7 onsite gym access and free access to group exercise classes.
• Subsidized commuter benefits- transit and parking.
• Provided meals—free breakfast daily!
• Career development opportunities and events, including C Suite engagement.
• Social events—both intern‑only and company‑wide.
• Location‑specific perks and extras.
• Recognition of National Intern Day.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $0 - $0 Disclosure Statement: The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job‑related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market‑leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week‑long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non‑discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E‑Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail].

We believe our culture is one of Vertex’s greatest strengths and a key enabler of our ability to deliver transformative medicines for patients who need them. Rooted in innovation, purpose and collaboration, our culture empowers people to take smart risks, challenge conventional thinking and do their best work. The diversity of our people is central to that culture. By bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, we foster an environment where new ideas thrive, better decisions are made and breakthrough innovation is possible. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, included and connected to our shared mission, because we know that our unique culture and the collective strength of our people are what set Vertex apart.

Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 16 consecutive years on Science magazine’s Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision‑making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of that third‑party agency; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third‑party agency upon offer.